This chart was created by an LCPS mom concerned about the elimination of all elementary foreign language offerings in our schools. I organized a LEAP meeting last year with the WaPo reporter whose October, 2014 article on which this chart is based.

The eliminated program was never intended to produce kids who could speak fluent Spanish but instead to lay a foundation. That's what the mom who created this chart said it did for her child, and I've heard that from others as well. There was talk of replacing the old program with an immersion pilot program but it has never happened. There are numerous studies that exposure to foreign language at an early age makes it easier to learn not only that foreign language, but also English and increases critical thinking skills in general.

On the other hand, my opponent lists eliminating all LCPS elementary foreign language as an accomplishment he's proud of on his website, while the K-8 private school he sent his kids to teaches Spanish in every grade.

If I'm elected, I will work to provide early foreign language opportunities for our kids in Loudoun's public schools.